Study: Wind Power Can Save Money, Create Jobs

Md. Lawmakers Consider Making Utilities Buy Wind Power

Harnessing off-shore wind power saves consumers money, helps clean up the environment and creates jobs, according to a study released Thursday by Environment Maryland and the United Steel Workers.

The report comes as the General Assembly considers legislation designed to jumpstart the industry.

Industry officials estimate a 500-megawatt wind park off the coast of Ocean City would create 2,000 manufacturing jobs over a five-year period, along with 400 permanent supply and maintenance positions.

"We are all hoping this wind energy industry creates a manufacturing hub for suppliers of off-shore wind farms throughout the Mid-Atlantic," said Brad Heavner of Environment Maryland.

Each wind turbine would contain up to 300 tons of steel. The cables that connect turbines to the grid are another piece of the manufacturing possibility.

Builders and steel workers said they see it as an opportunity to turn their industries around.

"Construction is the first to feel the pressures of an economic downturn, and we are the last to recover," said Rod Easter of the Baltimore Building Construction Trades Council.

"We no longer make things, not only here in Maryland but throughout the country. We no longer make things like we should," said Jim Strong of the United Steel Workers Union.

The O'Malley administration is sponsoring legislation directing the Public Service Commission to require state utilities to sign 20-year contracts to buy electricity from wind farms off Maryland's coast.

"The investors know that if they put in a $1 billion, $1.5 billion, they are going to have a commitment that their energy is going to be purchased for the next 20 to 25 years. Without that, it's hard to go ahead," said Sen. Paul Pinsky, D-Prince George's County.

AC Wind, a wind energy manufacturing and services firm, is partnering with a company called MFG to open a blade manufacturing facility in Salisbury. Company President John Congedo said he believes Maryland is well-positioned to take the lead in off-shore wind projects along the East Coast.

"We stand ready to take the truly skilled labor force that exists in the Salisbury area and to put them back to work and build these epic-sized composites," Congedo said.

The bill is meeting resistance in the Senate and is being referred back to the Finance Committee. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.